I hope that local residents have seen in this paper, on my local leaflets, website, surveys and letters that I have been campaigning hard for a reduction in Chippenham’s parking charges.

As a local resident I believe that a reduction would help support our high street, encourage more shoppers and stimulate new businesses to open in the town centre.

I have recently sent out hundreds more local surveys and will soon present the full survey results to Wiltshire Council and work with them to explore how parking charges can be reduced.

By working with different sectors of the community, local businesses and the council, I am sure we can find a solution to fund a reduction in parking fees.

The results so far show that an overwhelming 93 per cent feel that parking charges should be reduced and 88 per cent said they would visit the town more if they were reduced. I agree with them. Why would you nip out for a paper when the cost of parking is more expensive than the paper itself? In addition, studies show most high street sales are made when browsing or shopping for something else so we need to encourage as many people as possible into the town centre.

As someone from a small business background, I know just how important this is. We need a strong local champion to stand up for our town and work hard to make the town centre a hub again – this is why I am standing to be your next Member of Parliament.

Michelle Donelan, Conservative prospective MP for Chippenham.